Rotary cylindrical power device

ABSTRACT

This invention is a cylindrical rotary power device, usable as and convertible to a rotary internal combustion engine, pump, and/or compressor. The device incorporates an ingenious design and composition utilizing bilateral symmetry to minimize power losses and maximize efficiency. It operates with a minimum of moving parts which can be manufactured at relatively low cost and readily maintained. Also, the power device of the present invention is readily converted to an internal combustion engine by merely removing the external power source and providing fuel flow and ignition charge to the cylinders.

FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to rotary power devices and more particularly to rotary internal combustion engines, pumps and compressors.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There have been many attempts to devise an efficient, axially aligned rotary power device. One such device was described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,601,548, which issued to inventor Al-Hawaj on Aug. 8, 2003. This device describes an array of pistons arranged around a central shaft, with a system of roller cam followers to transmit power to the central shaft.

Inventor R. Driver in US published patent application 2002/20171 (published Feb. 21, 2002) describes a rotary power displacement fluid machine, with an eccentrically mounted central rotor and an array of axially-arranged vanes.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,209,190, issued on May 11, 1993 to inventor E. Paul, describes an open-ended hosing with a central rotor assembly and parallel cylinder elements around the central shaft.

Prolific inventor R. Duncan describes a rotary machine and thermal cycle in a series of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,782,866, 6,684,825, 6,672,275, and 6,484,687, of issue dates Aug. 31, 2004, Feb. 3, 2004, Jan. 6, 2004, and Nov. 26, 2002. This device does not use a compressive piston stroke, but instead uses and expansion ring and gear to generate pressure.

US published patent application 2005/166,889 (published Aug. 4, 2005) describes a rotary device with coupled chamber halves and a drive disk plate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is a cylindrical rotary power device, usable as and convertible to a rotary internal combustion engine, pump and compressor. The device incorporates an ingenious design and composition utilizing bilateral symmetry to minimize power losses and maximize efficiency.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a rotary power device both as an internal combustion engine and for compressing and pumping fluids.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved rotary air compressor which maximizes output as compared to conventional pumps and compressors.

Another object of the invention is to provide in a single unit an engine and a compressor.

Another object of the invention a rotary power device which is readily convertible between an internal combustion engine and a pump or compressor.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rotary power device having relatively few parts.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a rotary power device having valveless ports which are substantially equal in diameter to the diameter of the pistons of the rotary device so as to reduce resistance to fluid inflow and outflow.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and from the recital of the appended claims, particularly when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 reveals a perspective view of a rotary power transfer device designed in accordance with the present invention and having a portion of the outer housing cut away for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 2 displays a frontal view of the outer face of the power transfer device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 indicates a perspective view taken along line 3-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 indicates a side sectional view taken along line 3-4 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 comprises an exploded perspective view of the major components of the power transfer device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 comprises an exploded perspective view of a piston and bearing connector of the power transfer device designed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 demonstrates a side view of the assembled piston from the parts shown in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 indicates a view from the perspective of the crankshaft of the assembled piston of FIG. 7, and rotated 90 degrees therefrom.

FIG. 9 displays an exploded perspective view of the crankshaft and power train of the power transfer device designed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 10 demonstrates a side view of the assembled power train of FIG. 9; and,

FIG. 11 displays a side view of the assembled power train of FIG. 10, and rotated 90 degrees therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the accompanying FIGS. 1-11, for the purposes of illustrating the principals of this invention, there is disclosed a rotary power generation and transfer device. It will be understood, that various features of this invention, particularly the input and output of the reciprocating pistons and the translation of reciprocating motion to rotary motion and vice versa, have utility and may be successfully employed with a variety of operational devices, as for example, with pumps, steam engines, internal combustion engines, and the like.

Referring to FIGS. 1-11, the rotary power device of the present invention, shown generally as 100, includes an outer piston and cylinder block assembly, an inner power train sleeve, and a crankshaft. The crankshaft can be rotatably powered by the pistons, acting in an internal combustion engine mode. Alternatively, the crankshaft can be externally powered from an external power source (not shown), thereby powering the cylinders in a reverse mode. Powered in this fashion, the current invention can operate as a pump.

A perspective view of the outer surface of the preferred embodiment of the current invention is displayed in FIG. 1. Seen in this figure is the basic piston and cylinder block of the current invention, arranged in a preferred cylindrical array. The block itself is comprised of two similar or identical half-blocks 10, which mate together at their bases via a component central ring 15. A series of apertures 18 appear around the ring. These are disposed for placement of bolts or other connectors to join the halves 10 together to form a completed block. Inside the block is the crankshaft 30, axially disposed along the centerline of the block.

FIG. 2 displays the block 10 from an end-on view. The block 10 contains a variety of apertures comprising cylinders 8, fastener apertures 18, and large central aperture 50. The cylinders 8, of course, are the housings for the pistons, as shown in later figures. The central aperture 50 is the home of the power train, also shown later. A total of 6 cylinders, and thus 6 pistons are displayed, although other numbers, for instance 4 or eight cylinder and piston pairs are contemplated.

It will be noted that these cylinders 8 have an oval cross section. This is not required, and other geometric shapes, for instance a circular cross section, are contemplated. However, tests have indicated that the oval shape provides better power per cylinder bore size, and thus is preferred in the current embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 reveals an open sectional view of the current invention, with both cylinder block and power train components on display. Two of the pistons 60 are shown, in operational position. These are connected to the power train by bearing pins 63. The power train comprises crankshaft 30, bearing seals 75, bearings 73, and power sleeves 70. The two power sleeves 70 do not connect, but instead are separated by a curved, constant width channel 80. As the pistons move up and down within their cylinders, they are connected to the power train via the bearing pins 63 which mate to the curved track 80. If the pistons are operating in internal combustion mode, they will transmit power via pins 63 to track 80, forcing track 80, power sleeves 70, and the entire power train including crankshaft 30 to rotate around the long axis. Alternatively, crankshaft 30, if externally powered, can transmit power via the rotating track 80 and pins 63 in reverse direction, forcing pistons 60 to move up and down. This is useful, for instance, to create a pump. FIG. 4 demonstrates the same section view of FIG. 3, from a side plan view. Both upper and lower pistons 60 are shown, each in a position approximately halfway up the cylinder. The bearing pins 63 are shown, connecting each piston 60 to the curved track 80 formed by the adjacent power sleeves 70. The power sleeves are greeted on their outer faces by bearings 73, which aid in holding the power sleeves in place, and thus preserving track 80. Outside of bearings 73 are bearing seals 75, which seal off the power sleeves and bearings from the outside, thus excluding contaminants and preserving lubricant. The entire assembly is typically lubricated by a charge of lubricating oil, which circulates via ports between the cylinder walls, pistons, bearings, power sleeves, and crankshaft.

FIG. 5 introduces an exploded view of the preferred embodiment 100 of the current invention. At either end are the two unit halves 10 of the cylinder block. Shown on the right side block is the outer face of one block unit half 10, as it appears in earlier figures. Displayed on the left side unit block half is the inner face 17, which faces the interior of the current invention.

The pistons 60 that normally reside within cylinders 8 are shown in exploded view in this figure. The pistons are in approximately the arrangement they will hold when in position within the cylinders. Each piston has a bearing pin 63 which is disposed at right angles to the piston, and intersects the piston at the midsection, in between the piston heads 61. Each bearing pin 63 has a top bearing ring 65, to secure the pin on one side of the piston, and a pair of bearing pins 67 on the opposite side of the piston.

Also shown in FIG. 5 is the power train 200 of the current invention. In simplified, assembled form, the power train comprises a pair of power bearing assemblies 300 separated by a curved power track 80, and surrounding a crankshaft 30.

It can be seen from this exploded view, in combination with the views of earlier figures, especially FIG. 4, how the pistons 60 connect with the power train 200 to transmit power to the crankshaft. The pistons are connected by bearing pins 63, which culminate in a pair of bearing rings 67. This pair of rings can fit inside track 80, or be disposed with one ring inside and one just outside the track. This secures the connection to the power train, as the curve is comprised by power sleeves 70, which are themselves connected to (or integrally part of) crankshaft 30.

Now moving to FIG. 6, a piston and bearing pin assembly is displayed in exploded view. The piston 60 is comprised of two large piston heads 61, and a thin central body 62, with an aperture 64 at its midpoint. The piston heads 61 are oval in cross section, and are designed to fit closely within a cylinder 8. Piston heads 61 are circumscribed by grooves 66 for lubricating oil.

Bearing pin 63 is designed to closely fit within piston midpoint aperture 64. Each piston has one associated bearing pin 63, one upper bearing ring 65, and two lower bearing rings 67. The upper bearing ring 65 prevents pin 63 from escaping the piston 60 at one end. The lower pair of bearing rings 67 connect the bearing pin 63 to curved power track 80, and secure the bearing pin 63 thereto.

FIG. 7 illustrates the completed piston and bearing pin assembly 600 from a side view. The piston 60 is shown to be symmetrical in shape, with dual piston heads 61. Piston 60 is intersected at a right angle by bearing pin 63. Pin 63 has bearing ring 65 secured at its top end, and a pair of bearing rings 67 secured at its bottom end. It should be noted that bearing rings 67 could be identical with bearing ring 65, except for their association as a pair, and their function to connect pin 63 to the curved power track 80.

FIG. 8 shows the same completed piston and bearing pin assembly 600 from a view 90 rotated from FIG. 7. This view is from the direction of the power train 200.

FIG. 9 displays the power train assembly 200 in exploded view. The bilateral symmetry of the power train is evident, as indeed is reflected in the same symmetry of the invention 100 as a whole. The elements of power train 200 are shown, starting with crankshaft 30, which contains a pair of mounting brackets 35 on either end of the midpoint. These mounting brackets 35 are each fastened to the inner face of a power sleeve 70. This disposes the power sleeves in the correct relationship to establish curved power track 80.

Power sleeves 70 are connected at their respective outer faces to bearings 73. These help distribute the weight and load of the power train. At the other, outer sides of bearings 73 are placed seals 75. As noted above, the seals prevent outer contamination and seal the power train off from the outside, excepting crankshaft 30, which communicates to a drive train for powering a vehicle or motor, perhaps, or for accepting power from an external source.

When the current invention operates as an internal combustion engine, it will include fuel injection means at intake ports of each cylinder for the delivery of a fuel to open ends of said cylinder elements as they rotate. Also, there will be means for initiating ignition of said air fuel mixture after it is compressed within said cylinder element, such as a spark ply appurtenant to each cylinder. Additionally, there will be an exhaust manifold communicating with each of a set of outlet ports on each cylinder, for receiving combustion products from said cylinder elements during the exhaust stroke of said pistons.

FIG. 10 illustrates the completed power train assembly 200 from a side view. Curved track 80 is clearly shown at the center of the figure, bowed to the right in this view. The elements of the crankshaft 30, power sleeves 70, bearings 73, and seals 75 are displayed.

FIG. 11 shows the same completed power train assembly 200 from a view 90 degrees rotated from FIG. 10. This view shows the curved track 80 bowed to the left, and illustrates the up-and-down curing motion of track 80. This is necessary, as the track must meet up with itself on completing the circumference of the power train.

It should be noted, however, that track 80, though necessarily having a repeating path, can define a steeper or less steep curve. The steeper the curve, the longer the piston 60 travel path within cylinder 8, and thus the higher compression can be reached. However, the track 80 is limited by the physical dimensions of piston 60 and cylinder 8. Thus, larger and longer cylinders and pistons will be accommodated by steeper curved tracks 80. The steepness of the curve is defined by the shape of the inner face 77 of power sleeves 70.

It will be understood that in the example set forth above, that the stroke and compression ratio can be increased by lengthening the slot 80 of the power train so that the output of air is at a higher pressure than 160 pounds. The dimensions of the bore of the cylinder 8 and the dimensions of the pistons 60 can be increased to increase the output of compressed air. Likewise, the size of the device can be increased and the number of cylinder elements and pistons may be increased, for example from 4 to 8 cylinder elements. However, the pump can operate effectively with as few as two cylinder elements.

The apparatus described herein produces a highly efficient compressor and/or pump for compressing or moving fluids. It operates with a minimum of moving parts which can be manufactured at relatively low cost and readily maintained. Also, the power device of the present invention is readily converted to an internal combustion engine by merely removing the external power source and providing fuel flow and ignition charge to the cylinders.

As will be understood by those skilled in the art, various arrangements other than those described in detail in the specification will occur to those persons skilled in the art, which arrangements lie within the spirit and scope of the invention. It is, therefore, to be understood that the invention is to be limited only by the claims appended hereto. 

1. A rotary power device comprising: an open ended stationary housing defining an interior; a cylinder block disposed in said interior of said stationary housing; a plurality of apertures comprising cylinders disposed axially within said cylinder block, surrounding an interior of said cylinder block; an end wall closing each said open end of said housing; at least one fluid inlet port and one fluid outlet port in one of said end walls for fluid communication between said housing interior and the exterior of said end wall; a power train assembly disposed in said interior of said cylinder block, said power train assembly including a central shaft extending axially through said interior of said housing, said shaft being rotatably carried by each of said end walls, a pair of power sleeves surrounding the axis of said shaft, and removably affixed thereto; a curved power track disposed in said interior of said cylinder block, created by the relative positions of said power sleeves; each said sleeve having at least two openings equiangularly located with respect to one another and aligned with corresponding equiangularly disposed openings in said other sleeve, said aligned openings comprising a curved track, said open ends of each said cylinder element being located immediately adjacent to a corresponding end wall for intermittent communication with said ports as said power train assembly rotates, an elongated piston including a piston head slidingly disposed in each said cylinder element for reciprocal movement parallel to the axis of said shaft, said piston including a normally projecting pin which extends through an axial aperture in said cylinder element and the extending end thereof being received in said curved track in said housing; means for collecting and conducting fluid from said outlet port and means for conducting fluid to said inlet port; whereby said pistons reciprocate in their respective cylinder elements in an intake and an exhaust cycle responsive to the rotation of said power train assembly through the action of said pin in said curved track to drawn in, compress and output a fluid.
 2. The rotary power device of claim 1 wherein all pistons and cylinders comprise an oval cross section.
 3. The rotary power device of claim 1 wherein said power train further comprises a pair of bearings outwardly situated from said power sleeves, and surrounding said central shaft.
 4. The rotary power device of claim 1 wherein each of said end walls are provided with six ports which define a six port configuration in which each of said ports with respect to the axis of said shaft are equiangularly spaced from adjacent ports.
 5. The rotary power device of claim 3 wherein each port of said six port configuration is disposed at a 90 degree angle with respect to the axis of said shaft from adjacent ports.
 6. The rotary power device of claim 3 including six of said cylinder elements, the axis of each of said cylinder elements extending parallel to the other cylinder elements and parallel to the axis of said shaft, each said cylinder element being equiangularly disposed from adjacent cylinder elements on said power train assembly about the axis of said shaft and being radially spaced from the axis of said shaft for intermittent alignment of the open ends thereof with said ports as said power train assembly rotates.
 7. The rotary power device of claim 1 further including a pair of seals outwardly disposed from said power sleeves, and surrounding said central shaft.
 8. The rotary power device of claim 1 wherein at least one of said end walls includes fuel injection means for the delivery of a fuel to said cylinder element adjacent said piston head and means for initiating ignition of an air fuel mixture within said cylinder element.
 9. The rotary power device of claim 1 wherein the opposite end portions of each of said elongated pistons define a piston head having sealing means about the circumference thereof for a fluid tight seal between the circumference of said piston head and the inner wall of said cylinder element while said piston is reciprocating, wherein each end of said piston undergoes an intake and an exhaust stroke cycle, the cycle at one end of said piston being opposite to the cycle at the opposite end thereof.
 10. The rotary power device of claim 1 further including means for circulating a cooling fluid through said interior of said housing.
 11. The rotary power device of claim 1 wherein said housing comprises two cylindrical elements having complimentary open inner ends opposite said end walls, said inner ends defining corresponding wave forms and spaced apart to form said sinusoidal track.
 12. A rotary pump comprising: an open ended stationary housing defining an interior; a curved power track disposed in said interior of said stationary housing; an end wall closing each said open end of said housing, each of said end walls provided with six ports which define a six port configuration in which each of said ports with respect to the axis of said shaft are equiangularly spaced from adjacent ports; a power train assembly disposed in said interior of said housing, said power train assembly including a central shaft extending axially through said interior of said housing, said shaft being rotatably journalled by bearing means in each said end walls, at least one cooling disk mounted on said shaft adjacent each of said end walls, six open ended cylinder elements axially extending through said housing and carried by said disks, the axis of each of said cylinder elements extending parallel to the other cylinder elements and parallel to the axis of said shaft, each said cylinder element being equiangularly disposed from adjacent cylinder elements about the axis of said shaft and being radially spaced from the axis of said shaft for intermittent alignment of the open ends thereof with said ports as power train assembly rotates, an elongated piston including a piston head at each end thereof slidingly disposed in each said cylinder element for reciprocal movement parallel to the axis of said shaft, said piston including a normally extending follower which extends from said piston through an axial slot in said cylinder element and the extending end thereof being received in said curved track; means for collecting and conducting compressed fluid from said outlet ports to a use point; and means for providing rotational force to said shaft to cause said power train assembly to rotate in said housing
 13. An internal combustion engine comprising: an open ended stationary housing defining an interior; a curved power track disposed in said interior of said stationary housing; an end wall closing each said open end of said housing, each of said end walls provided with an inlet and an outlet port and fuel injection means; a power train assembly disposed in said interior of said housing, said power train assembly including a central shaft extending axially through said interior of said housing, said shaft being rotatably journalled by bearing means in each of said end walls, six open ended cylinder elements axially extending through said housing and carried by said disks, the axis of each of said cylinder elements extending parallel to the other cylinder elements and parallel to the axis of said shaft, each said cylinder element being equiangularly disposed from adjacent cylinder elements about the axis of said shaft and being radially spaced from the axis of said shaft for intermittent alignment of the open ends thereof with said ports as said power train assembly rotates, an elongated piston including a piston head at each end thereof slidingly disposed in each said cylinder element for reciprocal movement parallel to the axis of said shaft, each end of said piston operating in respective four stroke cycles, said piston including a normally extending follower which extends from said piston through an axial slot in said cylinder element and the extending end thereof being received in said sinusoidal track; fuel injection means at said intake port for the delivery of a fuel to said open ends of said cylinder elements as they rotate into alignment therewith; means for initiating ignition of said air fuel mixture after it is compressed within said cylinder element; and an exhaust manifold communicating with each of said outlet ports for receiving combustion products from said cylinder elements during the exhaust stroke of said piston.
 14. A combination rotary internal combustion engine and compressor comprising: an open ended stationary housing defining an interior; a curved power track disposed in said interior of said stationary housing; a first end wall closing one open end of said housing to define the engine side of said device, said first end wall provided with an inlet and an outlet port, said first end wall further including a fuel injection nozzle in communication with said inlet port for the delivery of an air/fuel mixture to said inlet port and means for initiating ignition of said air fuel mixture after it has been compressed within said cylinder element; a second end wall closing said other end of said housing to define the compressor side of said device, said second end wall having four ports which with respect to the axis of said shaft are equiangularly spaced from adjacent ports, two of said ports being fluid inlet ports and two of said ports being outlet ports for compressed fluid; a power train assembly disposed in said interior of said housing, said power train assembly including a central shaft extending axially through said interior of said housing, said shaft being rotatably journalled by bearing means in each of said end walls, six open ended cylinder elements axially extending through said housing and carried by said disks, the axis of each of said cylinder elements extending parallel to the other cylinder elements and parallel to the axis of said shaft, each said cylinder element being equiangularly disposed from adjacent cylinder elements about the axis of said shaft and being radially spaced from the axis of said shaft for intermittent alignment of the open ends thereof with said ports said end walls as said power train assembly rotates, an elongated piston including a piston head at each end thereof slidingly disposed in each said cylinder element for reciprocal movement parallel to the axis of said shaft, said piston including a normally extending follower which extends from said piston through an axial slot in said cylinder element, the extending end of said follower being received in said curved track, said piston head of said pistons adjacent said first end wall reciprocating in said cylinder element in a four stroke engine cycle during each revolution of said power train assembly, said piston heads of said pistons adjacent said second end wall reciprocating in two intake and compression cycles during each revolution of said power train assembly; and an exhaust manifold communicating with each of said outlet ports for receiving combustion products from said cylinder elements during the exhaust stroke of said piston. 